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Veterans press for control of advisory board; commissioners vote to let veterans elect members
Summary
After more than two hours of public testimony, Scott County commissioners agreed to amend an earlier resolution and let veterans hold an election to select members of a newly formed Veterans Advisory Board; commenters repeatedly urged more staff and better outreach at the Veterans Service Office.
A large turnout of veterans and advocates told Scott County commissioners they want veterans to choose members of a new Veterans Advisory Board rather than have commissioners appoint the panel. After extensive public comment and discussion, the board voted to amend its prior approach and directed staff to return an amended resolution so a veterans election can be held.
Multiple speakers described access problems at the Veterans Service Office (VSO), including locked doors, unreturned phone calls and limited appointment capacity. Michael Campbell (speaker 8) said the county had provided insufficient support for veterans and urged the advisory board be chosen by veterans themselves. “But I feel like as county, we have done 0,” Campbell said, arguing the county should resource the VSO and include representatives from the American Legion, VFW and Marine Corps League on the advisory board.
Veterans and local service leaders raised several operational recommendations: a full-time administrative position to answer phones and schedule appointments, a veterans newsletter or postcard outreach to reach older veterans, mobile outreach or scheduled VSO visits to post locations, and a clear mission statement for the new board. Ken Mattingly (speaker 17), commander of the Austin VFW post, said many veterans are unaware of recently passed state benefits and recommended better outreach and service hours.
County commissioners and counsel outlined next steps and legal mechanics. County attorney (speaker 18) advised that the existing resolution provided for commissioner appointment and that changing to a veteran-led election would require amending the resolution and returning it at a subsequent meeting. Commissioner (speaker 2) moved to allow veterans to hold an election to select the advisory board; the motion carried.
The board directed staff to assist with logistics for an election and to schedule follow-up meetings with veteran stakeholders to finalize selection mechanics.
